Though Reed notched 11 quarterback takedowns in two seasons, he did so playing for an Alabama defense that asks more of its interior linemen in run support. Still, Hurtt, then working for the Chicago Bears, saw enough to give a glowing review to then-defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

“When I called Mel I said, ‘Listen, if there’s anybody you want in a backyard fight with you, it’s Jarran,'” said Hurtt, now in his second year as Seattle’s defensive line coach. “So what I remember (from) evaluating him is this kid can play the run, but he’s got better pass rush than what everybody’s giving him credit for.”

Reed is receiving that credit now in his third season with the Seahawks. After totaling just three sacks in his first two years while fulfilling his role as a run-stopping...